'Getting hit is part of the game': Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto ready to move on from Saturday's incident

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) sits in the dugout before being introduced ahead of the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, July 27, 2018.(Photo: Sam Greene, )

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Sunday, Joey Votto was no longer livid when he got around to speaking about the hit-by-pitch the night before.

Votto was clearly upset with Washington Nationals right-hander Ryan Madson hit him on the knee with a pitch in the eighth inning on Saturday. He shouted and gestured at Madson.

But Sunday, Votto was calm and measured. He began by saying he didn't want to answer questions about it but then did.

Did you think it was intentional?

"I have no idea," Votto said. "My reaction kind of falls in line with that. I reacted. I had no idea at the time when I reacted and I still don't now.

"Getting hit is a part of the game. Once you step into that box, you accept that getting hit could very well be part of the process."

Reds manager Jim Riggleman said after the game that "it appeared" to be intentional. Reds right-hander Austin Brice had hit Washington star Bryce Harper with a pitch in the sixth.

Old-school baseball calls for retaliation.

The difference was Harper got hit by an 84-mph curve. Votto got hit by a 96-mph fastball. The similaritiy was both were hit on the knee. Harper stayed in the game, but left one out into the seventh when he was clearly limping while chasing a fly ball.

Votto stayed in the game, but he was out of the lineup Sunday. He was limping when he showed up Sunday. Riggleman said Votto's being out of the lineup was not related to the hit-by-pitch.

"It was a long day (Saturday)," Riggleman said. "Two games, split doubleheaders, basically normal aches and pains. It's deep into the season. Three games in two days, day game after a night pointed to this as a day off."

Votto did not ask for the day off.

"I want to play every day," he said. "I want to play every inning of every game all year."

Votto said he has not talked to Madson.

"I don't know him," Votto said. "I've crossed paths with him a couple of times. We get along well. But I haven't spoken to him."

Madson and Votto were briefly teammates in 2012. Madson came to camp with the Reds, hurt his elbow, had Tommy John surgery and never pitched for the team.